A resume can help high school students get their first job, apply for college, or qualify for scholarships. This guide explains how to write a resume as a high school student and provides high school resume examples to get you started.
Why You Need a High School Student Resume
A high school student resume can help you land your first job, but it’s not just for the workplace. For example, a high school resume may also be required to apply for college, internships, or scholarships.
A strong high school resume has a clear structure and layout and includes action-oriented language highlighting your unique skills and achievements. Customize each resume to the application type to ensure it’s highly relevant.
Step-by-Step Guide To Writing a High School Student Resume
Use the following resume tips for high school students to create a stand-out resume.
Set up the basics
The best format for a high school resume is usually a functional or combination style. Use a clear, easy-to-read font such as Times New Roman or Arial, and label each section to make it easy to skim. Looking at high school resume examples can give you a better idea of what to include.
Create a compelling resume summary or objective
A resume starts with a summary or objective statement that provides an overall background of who you are and why you’re applying for the opportunity. High school resumes may include summary statements highlighting academic achievements or your personal goals.
Highlight education
The education section of a high school resume is different from that of a more established candidate. Instead of listing a degree, include details like your GPA, any relevant coursework, and your expected graduation date.
List skills relevant to high school students
Your resume should include both soft skills and technical skills. Common skills relevant to high school students include computer skills, leadership, teamwork, and customer service skills.
Include work experience, volunteer work, and extracurriculars
High school resume examples often include volunteer positions or extracurricular activities. Even if you weren’t paid, listing these roles shows your reliability, responsibility, and relevant skills.
Action Verbs and Power Words for High School Student Resumes
One of the best resume tips for high school students is to use action verbs and powerful language. These can elevate your resume and make your achievements and skills sound more impactful.
Pay attention to how frequently you use the same words. It’s easy for a resume to start to sound repetitive. Look out for overused words such as “helped,” “did,” or “responsible for,” and replace these with strong options.
Here are some examples of top action verbs for a resume for a high school student by category.
Leadership and teamwork
- Coordinated
- Directed
- Inspired
- Organized
- Unified
Community service and volunteering
- Advocated
- Contributed
- Engaged
- Supported
- Volunteered
School projects and academic skills
- Analyzed
- Developed
- Drafted
- Presented
- Researched
High School Resume Templates and Examples
Get ideas and see how formatting works in these high school resume examples, including a no-experience resume example.
High school resume template for job applications and internships
Brenda Martin
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
LinkedIn | Portfolio
Tampa, FL 33601
Profile
Reliable high school student with strong recent sales experience at a major clothing retailer. Dedicated to providing positive service experiences to new and returning customers. Motivated and adaptable to new work schedules, challenges, and conditions.
Key Skills
- Creative solution-seeking
- Customer service and relations
- Inventory monitoring and control
- Point-of-sale (POS) systems
- Product sales and merchandising
Work Experience
Sales Associate
XYZ Clothing, Tampa, FL
May 2022 to September 2022
- Provided high-quality service to new and repeat customers of this popular clothing store
- Greeted and directed store visitors to their desired apparel section
- Assisted customers with sizing and product choices
- Efficiently operated cash register to process order payments
- Tagged and displayed incoming merchandise and performed markdowns on previous season styles
- Maintained a clean and tidy work area at all points
Highlight:
- Won “Employee of the Month” in August 2022 for excellent customer service
Assistant
Paw Plus Pet Shop, Tampa, FL
June 2021 to September 2021
- Gained a strong foundation in customer service, helping visitors find their desired products
- Stocked shelves and maintained inventory
- Worked the cash register and helped other retail associates as needed
Education
Candidate: Diploma, Tampa High School, Tampa, FL | expected June 2025
High school resume template for college applications
Joseph Corbin
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Philadelphia, PA 12345 | www.linkedin.com/example
Profile
Diligent and engaged student with strong academic performance in high school, including an “A” average for mathematics. Excelled in leadership roles for multiple school athletics and extracurricular activities. Naturally curious and eager to explore new topics.
Education
Graduate, Benjamin Franklin High School, Philadelphia, PA | August 2019 to June 2023
3.7 GPA | Top 10% of graduating class | “A” average in all mathematics classes, including AP Calculus
SAT scores: 760 math, 680 verbal (1440 combined)
School Athletics and Activities
Spring Track Team
Co-Captain – Senior year
- Voted into a team leadership role; coordinated with the head coach to help organize meets and answer various questions from team members
- Served as a valued mentor and resource to underclassmen
Member – All four years
- Gained and demonstrated strong dedication and teamwork
- Helped team rank in the top four out of 18 high schools in the region for three consecutive years
Debate Team
Member – Junior and Senior year
- Collaborated closely on a 10-person team to form and organize compelling debate arguments
Professional Experience
Host / Server
Domino’s Pizza, Philadelphia, PA | Summers 2020 and 2021
- Greeted visitors and took and served food orders in a fast-paced environment
- Proposed several changes to the order entry process for servers and delivery drivers, increasing efficiency and collaboration
- Helped restaurant place No. 3 in the region for customer satisfaction in July and August 2021
Hobbies and Interests
Running | painting | avid reader (over six books per month)
Language
Advanced proficiency in Spanish (“A-minus” average for all four years of high school)
Technical Skills
Microsoft Office (advanced Excel) | HTML
High school resume template for scholarships
Aliya Jackson
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
Philadelphia, PA 12345
LinkedIn | Portfolio
Profile
A high school student with a 3.97 GPA and a proven track record of performing community service and supporting social justice issues. Seeking the William Morris Scholarship at Temple University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work.
Volunteer Experience
Volunteer
Youth Volunteer Corps, Philadelphia, PA| September 2021 – June 2024
- Collaborated with diverse teams of student volunteers and coordinators to execute a wide range of community service projects within the Greater Philadelphia Area, including building a new youth recreation center
- Performed over 500 hours of community service, which included volunteering at food pantries, mentoring grade school students, and supporting charity events
Student Volunteer
North Philadelphia High School | June 2020 – June 2024
- Served as a student volunteer for over 40 public service initiatives at North Philadelphia High School in support of equitable causes, including cancer research, social justice awareness campaigns, and food drives
Key Skills
- Community service
- Communication
- Team leadership
- Relationship building
- Fundraising
Education
High School Diploma
North Philadelphia High School, Philadelphia, PA | 2024
- GPA: 3.69
How To Tailor a Resume for a High School Student for Different Applications
How to write a student resume for jobs and internships
If you’re applying for a job, your resume should include a summary statement, a skills list, and a professional experience and education section. For example, a high school resume for a job or internship can include part-time work experience or volunteer positions and have a list of soft skills you developed from extracurricular activities.
Resume tips for high school students applying to colleges
When applying for colleges, focus a high school resume on your academic achievements, personal goals, and extracurricular activities. The goal is to show how your accomplishments align with your personal values. Leadership experiences and community service work can help illustrate this.
Resume guide for high school students applying for scholarships
Scholarship resumes need to be tailored to the organization awarding the scholarship. For example, the local Rotary Foundation may seek evidence of strong community involvement. A scholarship for high school athletes may require more attention to your extracurriculars and leadership within the team.
Resume Tips for High School Students With No Experience
- Focus on transferable skills: You don’t have to work in a paid position to gain valuable experience. Many skills you use in classes, clubs, extracurriculars, and volunteer positions can transfer to a resume. Communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to lead apply to almost any situation.
- Use coursework, certifications, and extracurriculars: If your formal work experience is limited, fill out your resume by providing more details on relevant coursework or extracurricular activities. You can also earn certifications online in specific software programs to demonstrate proficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions About No-Experience High School Student Resumes
How long should a high school resume be?-
A resume for a high school student should be a maximum of one page in most cases.
What if I have no work experience?+
A resume tip for high school students is to emphasize school projects, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work if you don’t have formal work experience. High school resume examples often have specific sections for these.
What’s the best format for a resume for a high school student?+
High school resume templates that use the functional or combination format are best. These high school resume examples prioritize skills over experience.
Do I need references on my resume?+
Some resume templates for high school students may include a place for references. While these aren’t strictly required on a resume for a high school student, it can help if you are lacking in other areas.
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